Job Description:
Head of Quality & Compliance 📍 Remote with occasional Northern England travel & monthly SLT sessions 💰 £55,000 – £65,000 + 25 days + bank holidays, birthday off, 3 wellbeing days, and additional Christmas shutdown A Role for Proven Quality Leaders We are working with a progressive and ambitious training provider entering a critical stage of growth and transformation. This is a senior, high-impact appointment for an individual who has successfully operated in Ofsted-facing environments and understands what “good” and “outstanding” truly look like in practice. You will take full ownership of quality and compliance across a diverse provision, with a particular focus on scaling apprenticeships (AI-focused) while maintaining strong standards across adult skills delivery. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role offers genuine autonomy and influence to set, embed, and lead a quality culture that is inspection-ready, data-driven, and outcome-focused. Why This Role Stands Out • Full ownership of Quality & Compliance – not a legacy function • Direct reporting line to the CEO with strategic influence • Opportunity to make the role your own and establish your footprint • Environment shifting towards a high-trust, high-performance delivery culture • Real scope to shape systems, people, and standards in a growing organisation The Role You will lead the organisation’s quality and compliance function as a single, aligned discipline, ensuring delivery is both high quality and fully compliant at all times. Quality Leadership • Own and drive the quality strategy across all divisions • Lead the production, accuracy, and impact of the SAR and QIP • Ensure clear evidence of intent, implementation, and impact across provision • Analyse performance data (QAR, retention, achievement, progression) and drive improvement actions • Lead OTLA, standardisation, and quality assurance frameworks • Develop high-performing delivery teams through CPD and coaching • Ensure curriculum quality aligns with employer needs and apprenticeship standards Compliance & Ofsted Readiness • Maintain full oversight of Skills England funding compliance and ILR accuracy • Ensure all learner activity is audit-ready, evidenced, and compliant • Lead ongoing Ofsted readiness, ensuring teams are confident and inspection-prepared at all times • Manage funding risk and maintain a clear compliance risk register • Maintain strong relationships with regulators, awarding bodies, and EPAOs • Embed safeguarding, Prevent, and British Values as standard practice Data & MIS Oversight • Lead and develop MIS and data functions (Head of Data & Lead IQA reporting line) • Use data effectively to identify trends, risks, and performance gaps • Ensure reporting is robust, timely, and supports strategic decision-making • Maintain clear audit trails across all provision Leadership & Culture • Build and shape the Quality & Compliance function from the ground up • Act as a trusted partner to delivery teams – enabling quality, not policing it • Embed a culture of accountability, autonomy, and continuous improvement • Contribute at SLT level, influencing business strategy and growth plans What We’re Looking For Essential Experience • Senior experience in quality and compliance leadership within apprenticeships and ASF training programmes • Strong track record of operating in Ofsted-inspected environments (Grade 1/2 desirable) • Deep knowledge of DfE funding rules, ILR compliance, and audit requirements • Experience leading or significantly contributing to SAR, QIP, and inspection readiness • Proven ability to improve QAR, retention, and learner outcomes Desirable • Experience within a scaling or SME training provider • Background in apprenticeship growth or new provision • Familiarity with systems such as Magn8 or Talent LMS • Teaching, assessing, or IQA qualifications • Exposure to digital, AI, or future-skills programmes Key Attributes • High-level accountability and ownership mindset • Strong analytical capability – comfortable working with and challenging data • Confident communicator able to influence at SLT and delivery level • Credible with Ofsted, ESFA, and external stakeholders • Strategic thinker who can translate quality into practical, scalable systems • Leader who drives standards through trust, clarity, and consistency What’s on Offer • Opportunity to lead a key function during organisational transformation • Direct impact on quality outcomes and Ofsted readiness • Remote-first, flexible working environment • Salary up to £65,000 + bonus (flexible for high-calibre candidates) • 25 days holiday + bank holidays • 3 wellbeing days + birthday off • Christmas shutdown (not taken from leave) • Healthcare and wellbeing support Who This Role Will Suit This role will suit someone who: • Has worked in inspected provision and understands what is required to achieve “Good” or “Outstanding” • Enjoys building systems rather than inheriting them • Wants to operate with autonomy and influence at senior level • Is confident balancing quality, compliance, and commercial growth Additional Information Remote-first role with regular collaboration sessions (1–2 per month). All roles are subject to DBS checks in line with safer recruitment practices.
